Sunday, September 11, 2016

' Kootu" means a mixture. In this traditional Kerala dish, the Kootu means a mish mash of locally grown vegetables like raw banana/plantain, yam , yellow pumpkin along with dry beans . The black channa/Kala channa or the darker variety of garbanzo beans are most popularly used in this vegetable dish.

As I had soaked the black eyed peas for olan, I used the same for this Kootu Curry. This dish is simple , tasty and healthy. This traditional dish is also a part of the Onam Sadya, the banquet that is prepared on the auspicious Onam Day.

Kootu Curry | How to make Kerala Style Kootu Curry:

Preparation time : 6 hours ( includes the soaking time)

Cooking time : 25 minutes

Serves : 4-6

1 cup = 250 ml cup

Ingredients :

1 cup Kala channa OR black eyed peas

2-3 raw banana/plantain ( peeled and chopped)

1/2 cup chopped yam/senai kizhangu/jimikhand

1/2 cup yellow pumpkin ( peeled and chopped)

1 teaspoon red chilli powder( adjust )

1/8 teaspoon turmeric powder

1/2 teaspoon coconut oil

salt to taste

For the spicy coconut paste ( grind them into a thick paste):

1/2 cup coconut ( grated or finely chopped)

1 small onion or 5-6 shallots/sambar onions

2-3 garlic pods

1 " fresh ginger ( finely chopped)

3-4 green chillies

For tempering :

2 teaspoons coconut oil

2-3 shallots ( finely chopped)

1 teaspoon cumin seeds/jeera

1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds

1 dry red chilli ( torn into half)

1 sprig curry leaves

Method :

1. Wash and soak the black eyed peas ( or kala channa) in water overnight or for 4-6 hours.

2. Boil the cut vegetables along with the black eyed peas.

3. Grind the spice paste and set aside.

4. Heat a pan with 1/2 teaspoon of coconut oil over low flame and add all the boiled vegetables.

5. Now add turmeric powder, chilli powder and salt and stir well over low flame for 3-4 minutes.

6. Add the ground coconut spice paste and cook for another 5 minutes over low flame and switch off.

7. Heat a small iron ladle or pan with coconut oil and temper with the ingredients given and pour it over the Kootu Curry.

Your delicious Kootu Curry is ready to be served.

Chef Tips :

1. If you are using yam, then soak the yam in lemon juice for 15 minutes.

2. You can garnish the Kootu Curry with roasting fresh coconut slivers ( roast them till brown in coconut oil).